Super Street Network

October 2013 Gear

The Latest Good Stuff For Your Driving Life.

The Bilstein B12 suspension kit for the E92 BMW M3 (2007-on) consists of B8 dampers matched to Eibach Pro-Kit coil springs. The ride height is lowered about 0.8" for a more aggressive stance but isn’t too low to make the spoiler scrape everything. Tested on the Nürburgring and TÜV approved, Bilstein claims a combination of comfort and poise, providing a two-year/unlimited mileage warranty. $1129.45. bilsteinus.com

Fitting the BMW 135i (single-turbo N55 engine), this intercooler is handcrafted from aero-grade alloy, is larger than the factory part, yet will fit onto the existing mounts for simple installation. Forge claims an average drop in charge temperature of 86˚F, while it also reduces pressure loss across the core for more efficient combustion. $1100.forgemotorsport.com

Wheels, grilles and other brightwork can be restored by Meguiar’s three new metal polishes. Heavy-Cut (not recommended for chrome) is the most aggressive; Medium-Cut is tough enough to remove rust, yet still leave a shine; Finishing is for the final touch or lighter cleaning tasks. All three polishes are available separately. From $6.99.meguiars.com

More horsepower through increased boost pressure “without sacrificing reliability”, is the claim made by AWE Tuning regarding its new stage 2 pulley kit for the 2010-12 Audi S4 and S5 3.0T. The smaller pulley spins the supercharger faster, while GIAC software oversees ignition and fueling. The tuner claims 468hp and 420 lb-ft measured at the crank using 91- and 93-octane gas. A pulley removal tool is sold separately. $1749. awe-tuning.com

Anybody adventurous enough to buy a Fiat 500 with manual transmission will probably like Neu-F’s short shift adapter. A division of Neuspeed that specializes in Fiat parts, Neu-F developed the unit to reduce shifter travel by 25%. It’s said to provide a smoother action and eliminate notchiness. It works in everything from the basic 500 to the Abarth model and is made from tough, CNC-machined chromoly steel. Fitting takes about an hour. $119.95.neu-f.com

This boost tap was designed for anybody with a 2013 B8.5 Audi A4 or A5 2.0T (post facelift), who wants to fit an aftermarket boost gauge or diverter valve. Made from CNC-machined aluminum, the tap uses factory fittings and is anodized black. It comes with a double O-ring seal for leak-free operation, plus a 3" silicone hose extension as well as the necessary installation hardware. $39.95. awe-tuning.com

Linking to your car’s OBD2 port via Bluetooth, it’s possible to diagnose your car using a smartphone and the free app. Being software-based, many functions are also upgradeable. The scanner will work on any car built after 1996 and will provide information on emissions, codes and fixes, plus live data such as engine RPM. And Actron is part of the Bosch empire, so this isn’t a gimmick. We have one and will be reporting on it in more detail next month. The basic app is free, with a paid upgrade available to provide more engine info. The OBD2 dongle is $79.99.actron.com

Seibon Carbon has been busy making lightweight carbon fiber hoods for the 2012/13 BMW 5 Series and M5, as well as the 2008-2010 BMW M3. The company is also announcing a CSL-style carbon front bumper for the 2001-2005 M3. All three items have a high carbon-to-resin ratio for stiffness and strength. Prices start at $940 (for the 5 Series hood).seiboncarbon.com

Since wheels can be so darned expensive, anything that protects them has to be a good thing. So anybody who changes wheels regularly, rotates tires or needs to fix a flat should consider the new socket sets from GearWrench. Coated in manganese phosphate to last longer, and fitted with both protective outer sheaths and inserts to protect the wheels, they should keep your wheels in top condition. The sockets are also color-coded by size. $60.48. gearwrench.com

These solid alloy items replace the plastic block connectors on the VW/Audi 1.8T engines and allow you to use braided hoses with -10 AN fittings. Forge claims they’re easy to install, ideal for improving the breather system and essential for tuned motors. $55.forgemotorsport.com

This manifold was cast by Spa Turbo USA using a special process that apparently resists weld cracks, tube rust and flange warp. There are two versions created for the (1991-2008) E36 and E46 BMW 3 Series models fitted with the M50 and S50 engines. The manifold has a flange to accept either a T3 or T4 turbo, allowing you to get some proper horsepower from your Bimmer. $TBD. designengineering.com

These elegant two-piece wheels come in three designs, including this dramatic five-spoke. They’re available in either Flat Titan Silver, Flat Black or Brushed finishes (the last one is a special order). Sizes range from 18-20" with a wide range of offsets available. Prices for these made-in-Japan wheels begin at $560 each.ssr-wheels.com

Designed for the 997-model Porsche 911 Turbo, this new cooler from AMS Performance employs a 5.5" deep core with smooth-case end-tanks. Each core has twice the fin density (24 fins per inch) of the stock system to ensure better efficiency. They are supplied with four-ply reinforced silicone tubing as well as carbon fiber upper intercooler ducting. The company suggests the installation is “painless” and completely reversible, with no deviation from stock routing. $4995.99. amsperformance.com

Bringing silence to your life by eliminating those irritating thumps, squeaks and rattles is possible with a spray can of black rubberized polymer. The Boom Mat can be applied to trunk interiors, wheel wells and body panels and it dries in 20min. The material will also act as a thermal barrier, protecting against rust and debris, and can even be painted. The Boom Mat can withstand temps up to 570˚F, and one 18oz can should cover 20sqft. $10.67. designengineering.com

For those people who have to take photos, videos, make calls and listen to music while underwater at a depth of up to 10ft, or perhaps you regularly use your iPhone 5 in a sandstorm, the Griffin Survivor + Catalyst case might be perfect for you. Your phone will be protected inside a polycarbonate frame and rear cover with TPE (thermoplastic elastomer) bumpers, silicone O-ring seals and nylon latches. The case can also cope with a drop of 6.6ft. $69.99.griffintechnology.com

Corsa uses Reflective Sound Cancellation (RSC) in its stainless steel exhaust system for the 2013 BMW M5 to reduce noise in town or at steady highway speed. Mash the loud pedal, though, and you’re alerted the fact this setup adds a claimed 14hp and 19 lb-ft of torque, thanks to a 23% improvement in breathing over the stock exhaust. There are a choice of 4" tips in polished or black to complete the system. $1999. corsaperformance.com

Made for most popular European vehicles in North America, the new EuroLine brake pads match OE standards, have low compressibility for good pedal feel, and can take high levels of heat and friction. Bosch has released pads for 62 models to date, ranging from Audi to Volvo, with another 70 fitments coming later in the year. From $65.boschautoparts.com/brakes

Fluorosilicone is apparently what’s required to cope with modern coolants made with Organic Acid Technology (OAT). We’re told that methanol and ethylene glycol coolant fluids are so last millennium, but newer OAT coolants have a negative affect on OE hoses. So Forge has a new line of hoses with a fluorosilicone lining for the Mk5 and Mk6 VW Golf. They’re also designed to cope with higher pressures and temperatures, available in red, blue or black. From $68.forgemotorsport.com